The island of Skiathos belongs to the Northern Sporades group of islands (along with Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros and some smaller islands around them), and the area is popular for sailing holidays, as it is not so exposed to the meltemi wind as the Cyclades.

The island is covered with pine-trees and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. There are three harbours on the island and a small marina for yachts on one of the two islets called Tsougries that lie across the main harbour, on the south-east coast.